Is Moncton worth visiting?
Yes, Moncton is absolutely a city that any traveler should visit. During our time here, we had so much fun. During our first trip to Moncton in 2014, we fell in love with its unique personality and authenticity. We've been back several times since then to experience it even more.
Whether you're a traveling as a family or a couple, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the great museums and attractions and amazing food.
It's one of the largest cities in New Brunswick, so many visitors will pass through enroute to other places. The city also has a lot of character and many parks and outdoor spaces that you can explore. A highlight for many visitors is seeing the tide rush in at the Tidal Bore.
4 Reasons to Visit Moncton
1. Museums and Attractions
The city has a zoo at Magnetic Hill as well as several great museums and historic sites like Fort Beauséjour and the Acadian Museum.
2. Food
You'll find a range of casual eateries around town as well as wine tasting and a few upscales places. Poutine is the local favorite, but you can also try fried seafood or a local stew.
3. Shopping
There's a mix of independent shops and larger big box stores. Some of the largest shopping areas include Mapleton Plaza and Wheeler Park Power Centre.
4. Authenticity
Moncton has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Moncton worth visiting in the Summer?
Summer is the high season for travel in Moncton, so expect more visitors and higher prices. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
Keep in mind that it can be fairly rainy during summer, and temperatures hover around 19°C (66°F).
You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to browse through museums.
Summer Weather in Moncton
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 19°C (66°F) | 103 mm (4 in) |
| August | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| September | 13°C (56°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
Is Moncton worth visiting in the Autumn?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Moncton. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Moncton can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 8°C (46°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums.
Autumn Weather in Moncton
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 8°C (46°F) | 106 mm (4.2 in) |
| November | 2°C (36°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| December | -5°C (23°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
Is Moncton worth visiting in the Winter?
The weather in Moncton can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -8°C (17°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
The low season for travel in Moncton is during the winter. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to browse the museums and taste delicious cuisine.
Winter Weather in Moncton
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -8°C (17°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| February | -8°C (18°F) | 97 mm (3.8 in) |
| March | -3°C (27°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
Is Moncton worth visiting in the Spring?
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Moncton. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Moncton can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 3°C (38°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops and spend time at the museums.
Spring Weather in Moncton
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 3°C (38°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| May | 10°C (50°F) | 91 mm (3.6 in) |
| June | 16°C (60°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Moncton
Nightlife: Most people don't associate Moncton with a lively nightlife scene. Many of the local bars and clubs are geared toward a slightly younger crowd.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Moncton might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Moncton here or see if Moncton is expensive here.
Related
What is Moncton most famous for?
Moncton is most famous for its unique sense of place and its cultural activities. People visit this impressive city for its great museums and attractions, food, and shopping. It is often described as quaint, compact, and cultural.
What is the most famous sight in Moncton?
The most popular sight in Moncton is Tidal Bore Park. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Moncton on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Tidal Bore Park and other attractions here.
How touristy is Moncton? Is it a popular city to visit?
Moncton is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Unexpected Downtown Food and Drink Tour: $69
How long should I spend in Moncton?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Moncton is one to two days. Since Moncton has activities such as shopping, museums and attractions, and dining, most people visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Moncton? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Moncton?.
For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.